The researchers examined information from 769 older adults who participated in the Kurabuchi Study starting in 2005. The study was designed to look at how well adults 65-years-old and older could perform their daily functions. The researchers published their study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The researchers examined information from older adults who could function well at the start of the study. Then the researchers noted any depressive symptoms among the participants. At the end of the 7.5-year-long study, the researchers learned that 30 percent of the participants had symptoms of depression. They also learned that participants with depression symptoms were more likely to have problems in the future performing their regular daily activities.

The association between symptoms of depression and having trouble performing daily activities in the future was not affected by living circumstances or marital status. However, the researchers noted that older adults with symptoms of depression who were married or living with family had an increased risk for being institutionalized.

One thought on “Symptoms of Depression Linked to Problems Performing Regular Daily Activities for Older Japanese Adults”

A study really wasn’t necessary. Just ask anyone over 78 (especially widows) how depression is disruptive to one’s daily mood. Yes, one should be involved in activities, volunteerism, peer groups, etc. but when the impetus to get out of bed in the morning and do anything at all is absent, life feels empty, flat and meaningless.